Australian-American actor Julian McMahon passed away on July 2 at 56 years old. As reported by Deadline, the actor, best known for The CW’s Charmed and more recently his roles on The Residence and FBI: Most Wanted, had been privately battling cancer for a number of years.
“With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,” wrote his wife Kelly. “Julian loved life. […] We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy.”
Born July 27, 1968, McMahon began his TV career on the Australian soap opera The Power, The Passion, followed by fellow soap Home & Away. He’s had a healthy career across film and TV, and landed starring roles on FX’s Nip/Tuck, the aforementioned FBI series (which ended this past May), and Charmed. On the latter, he played Cole Turner, a demon/human hybrid introduced in season three and eventual love interest of Alyssa Milano’s Phoebe.
One of Julian McMahon’s most well-known movie roles is that of Doctor Doom in Fox’s Fantastic Four duology. He had a handful of comic book roles after 2007’s Rise of the Silver Surfer, including Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, RED, and Marvel’s Runaways as Jonah, the villainous father of Karolina Dean. His non-comic movie roles include Premonition, You’re Not You, and more recently, 2024’s The Surfer and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat. His final role was in Netflix’s The Residence, which was recently canceled after its first season.
Following news of his passing, Charmed stars Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs separately eulogized McMahon on her Instagram Stories. “Julian, you force of brilliance, wild talent and humour,” McGowan wrote. “For you, your family and loving fans all over the world, I pray comfort.” Combs called him “my favorite pain in the ass ever,” and featured two behind-the-scenes videos on her Stories.
“One of a kind is an understatement. Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed,” Combs continued. “The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered. I hope you find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals.
Brian Krause, another co-star, called him “one of the funniest, devilishly handsome and kind souls! Prayers to his family and close friends! He will surely be missed!”
Ioan Griffudd, who played Reed Richards in Fox’s Fantastic movies, described McMahon as “an honor to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. Even though we played each other’s nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together. Every encounter with him was a joy. My heart goes out to his wife and family.
God speed, Julian.”
“I’m devastated to to hear of the passing of my friend Julian,” added former Thing actor Michael Chiklis. “Life is so precious and fragile. My condolences to his family. RIP Jules.
Kelly closed her statement remembering her late husband as a man who “loved his family and his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.”
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